Zanubrutinib is a medication used to treat certain types of blood cancers, like mantle cell lymphoma and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). It belongs to a group of drugs called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors. These drugs work by blocking a protein called BTK, which is involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Blood cancers happen when certain types of white blood cells grow out of control. Zanubrutinib helps stop this by targeting BTK, which is like a signal that tells cancer cells to grow. By blocking BTK, zanubrutinib slows down or stops the growth of cancer cells, helping to shrink tumors and control the disease.
Zanubrutinib comes in the form of capsules, which are taken by mouth. It's usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food, as directed by a doctor. The dose may vary depending on factors like the type of cancer and how well the patient tolerates the medicine.
Like all medications, zanubrutinib can cause side effects. Some common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, fatigue (feeling tired), headaches, and muscle or joint pain. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and may improve over time as the body gets used to the medicine. However, if they become severe or bothersome, it's essential to talk to a doctor.
In addition to these common side effects, zanubrutinib can also cause more serious side effects that require medical attention. These may include bleeding problems, infections, heart rhythm problems, and high blood pressure. It's important for patients to report any unusual symptoms to their doctor right away.
Before starting treatment with zanubrutinib, it's important to tell the doctor about any other medications or supplements the patient is taking. Some medicines can interact with zanubrutinib and cause problems, so the doctor can check if it's safe to take them together.
Zanubrutinib is not recommended for use during pregnancy, as it can harm the unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should use effective birth control during treatment and for some time afterward. It's essential to talk to a doctor about the risks and benefits of zanubrutinib if planning to become pregnant or breastfeeding.
Overall, zanubrutinib is an important treatment option for certain types of blood cancers. By targeting BTK, it helps slow down or stop the growth of cancer cells, giving patients a better chance at controlling the disease and improving their quality of life. If diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma or CLL, it's important to discuss treatment options with a doctor to see if zanubrutinib may be right for them.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist
Zanubrutinib
Zanubrutinib is like a superhero that fights blood cancer. It works by targeting a protein called Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Now, this protein is like a signal that tells cancer cells to grow and spread.
So, when someone has blood cancer, these signals go haywire, causing the cancer cells to multiply too quickly. Here's where zanubrutinib comes in. It blocks these signals from reaching the cancer cells, essentially putting the brakes on their growth.
By stopping the BTK protein from doing its job, zanubrutinib helps slow down or even stop the cancer cells from spreading further. It's like cutting off the fuel supply to a fire, stopping it from spreading and getting worse.
In simple terms, zanubrutinib is a medicine that helps keep blood cancer cells in check by blocking the signals that make them grow out of control. It's an important tool in the fight against blood cancer, offering hope for patients to control the disease and improve their quality of life.
Have any queries, book a consultation with our Oncology Clinical Specialist